Biden slammed for ‘undercutting allies’ over EastMed
US Congress members Gus Bilirakis and Nicole Malliotakis have told Secretary of State Antony Blinken they vociferously object to Washington’s reversal of support for the Eastern Mediterranean gas pipeline.
They oppose a decision by US President Joe Biden to withdraw support for the ambitious EastMed pipeline, a joint project by Greece, Cyprus and Israel that would supply natural gas to the European Union.
“By undermining the project, the Administration is undercutting three of our strongest allies in the region: Israel, Greece, and Cyprus, as well as the European Union’s hopes for energy independence and economic prosperity”, the letter to Blinken said.
They argue that Europe is facing an unprecedented increase in energy prices, spurred by several political, geographic, and market forces, adding that the short supply of natural gas is a significant cause of the spike.
The letter also underlines that despite Europe’s decades-long push toward green and renewable energies, the surge in energy prices has ironically led to the increased use of coal to meet demand.
The US politicians note that natural gas is a cleaner energy option when compared to coal; it is a crucial energy source for governments seeking to transition to greener energy sources.
“The European Union recognizes this fact and has declared the Eastern Mediterranean
Pipeline a ‘special project’.
“The Biden Administration’s actions in this matter are particularly objectionable and hypocritical in light of its tacit approval of Russia’s Nord Stream pipeline, which will only deepen Europe’s energy dependence on a volatile adversary,” said Bilirakis.
“The Administration must realize the significant economic, environmental, and national security implications that are at stake in this matter and reconsider its decision to withdraw support for this critical project.”
Congresswoman Malliotakis said: “President Biden’s decision to shut down America’s Keystone XL Pipeline, greenlight Putin’s NordStream 2 pipeline, and now disavow the Greek-Cypriot-Israeli EastMed Pipeline is a microcosm of this Administration’s failed energy and foreign policy agendas.
“This President is asleep at the wheel, and his decision-making could cause severe economic and national security consequences for America and our allies.”